Why Jack Rodwell would be the ideal signing for Everton

Everton have once again been linked with a move for former Toffees youngster Rodwell just two years after he departed for the Etihad  Stadium.

At the time I had mixed feelings over his sale.  I was disappointed that yet another talented young player had to be sold in order to fund other signings. However, the £12million City paid upfront for a player who had struggled with injury the previous 12 months meant it was a deal Everton could not turn down.

Don't forget Everton went on to buy Kevin Mirallas and Bryan Oviedo with that windfall, with change to spare.

It was an odd signing for City to make too and one that really signaled the beginning of the end of Roberto Mancini.

The Italian went on a strange late dash in the transfer market that summer to top up his squad with English players, with Scott Sinclair another puzzling signing.

Unsurprisingly Rodwell has struggled to make an impact, both because of the sheer amount of competition in central midfield at City and his continued hamstring issues.

It is those dodgy hamstrings that make any transfer a calculated risk, but if his fitness can be nurtured then a cut-price deal could be one of the signings of the summer.

I always rated Rodwell but felt David Moyes was never sure where to play him. The Scot thought Rodwell may end up as an attacking midfielder, but through my laymen's eyes I felt he lacked the pace to play that role and had too good a passing range to play there.

Looking at the way Everton set up under Roberto Martinez I think Rodwell would be perfect in the defensive midfield role along side James McCarthy and (hopefully) Gareth Barry.

His game is much more suited to the style now employed under the Spaniard and I believe he may finally realise his potential back at Goodison.

He would have to undergo a strict medical and a transfer fee arranged to reflect his struggles with injuries, but I feel there is a place for Rodwell in Everton's squad next season.